//------------------------------// // Chapter 3: Buried Dreams // Story: Slumber of the Storm // by Deathscar //------------------------------// Breakfast was never this quiet. Usually, there would be some conversation going on. Either with Spike, Starlight or Twilight. She’d watch them banter across the room, throwing jokes at one another without pause. But with Spike back in Canterlot and Starlight having returned to her village for the holidays, the room now seemed eerily silent. Tempest glanced up at the two mares at the table with her. Both were focused on their own meal, eyes glued squarely onto their plates. Tempest attempted to think of something to say. But every time she tried, images of Twilight’s nightmares would invade her thoughts. Keep your distance, Tempest. It’s better for Twilight that way. The status quo was kept only for a few more seconds until Sunset cleared her throat, shattering the air around them. “So, I know more decorating is on the itinerary today. Right, Twilight?” “...Yes.” Sunset waited for several seconds. However, when neither Tempest nor Twilight continued the topic of conversation, she sighed. “Tempest, any idea what part of the decorating you would like to do today?” “No,” Tempest answered. Sunset’s mouth twisted sideways for just a moment. Her eyebrows were furrowed and she was clearly wracking her mind for… something. Tempest couldn’t say what. “What about getting the outside of the castle to look a little more festive. We could hang the lights!” Sunset exclaimed with a wide smile and outstretched hooves. She darted her gaze between Tempest and Twilight, but found no response from either. “O-or we could start brewing the delicious batch of cider for the party! I mean, it is in two days, and the cider takes a little over a day to make! What do you say?” Tempest took a moment to compose her reply, but when she opened her mouth to answer, Twilight spoke. “Actually, maybe Tempest would like to take the day off?” she said, staring straight at Sunset. The words twisted Tempest’s heart and sent her stomach into a pit. She allowed her fork to fall onto the plate, sending a soft ‘clank’ echoing through the room. “T-Twilight’s right,” Tempest stammered out with a lump in her throat. “I… I should spend the day away from here.” And the rest of your days too. Her mind added without her consent. “Tempest, wait,” Sunset called out. But Tempest didn’t pause. She pushed herself off the chair and headed out the door. All the while attempting to force the pain deeper within her. Away from where she could tackle it. At least, while she was awake. Nothing had changed since the last time Tempest had walked the streets of Ponyville. The festive decorations, smell of baked goods and judging stares were exactly the same. And so was the pained feeling in Tempest’s heart. Only this time, it wasn’t due to the gazes of everypony around her. She couldn’t have cared less about them. Maybe Tempest would like to take the day off. The words rang endlessly in her mind. Even Twilight doesn’t want you around anymore. Can you blame her? Tempest was so absorbed in her thoughts that she didn’t even notice the ponies she was crossing by on the street. “Tempest?” Rainbow’s voice drew her out of her dreamlike state. She turned her head up, spotting the pegasus fluttering softly above. “O-oh, hi, Rainbow!” said Tempest as she raised her posture and head back to its usual height. “What’re you doing here?” Rainbow asked, landing softly on the snow-covered path. “Aren’t you going to help us decorate?” “I’m… I’m afraid I’m a little worn from last night. I need some time to recover.” “Oh. Well, alright then.” Rainbow looked down and began tapping the ground softly with her hoof. Even though Tempest could not see Rainbow’s expression, there was clearly something bothering her. “You okay, Rainbow?” “Not really.” Rainbow’s answer made Tempest cock her head inquisitively. She waited as Rainbow drew a breath and met her gaze. “I still feel really bad about what I did yesterday.” Right, of course. Tempest thought with a tinge of both relief and guilt in her heart. “Rainbow, that wasn’t your fault.” “I mean it sorta was,” said Rainbow with a grimace. “And now you say that you had a bad night. I’m guessing it was probably from what I did.” “No, it wasn’t!” Tempest shouted, drawing the attention of the few ponies around her. She lowered her head and coughed softly into her hoof, before continuing in a quieter and more formal tone. “It was… other things. I don’t want to talk about them right now, but I assure you, none of what happened last night was your doing.” Rainbow gave Tempest a small, soft smile. It was an odd expression for Tempest to see, especially since it was coming from one of the loudest ponies she knew. Tempest didn’t know how to reply, so she smiled back instead, hoping her expression could convey what her words couldn’t. “Well, if you’re up for it, we’d all love to have more hooves to decorate the castle!” All except one. Her mind added once more without her approval. “Thanks, Rainbow Dash. I’ll consider it.” With a flap of her wings, Rainbow sent small dusts of snow flying all around her as she hovered in the air. “Well, better get back. I need to practice my routine!” “Routine?” “Yeah! I’m planning a special solo airshow for the party!” Suddenly, Rainbow’s eyes lit up like a filly’s. With a big grin plastered on her face, she flew closer towards Tempest. “You could totally help me plan out an awesome performance!” Tempest took a step back at Rainbow’s sudden advancement. It took a second for her to process the offer Rainbow had just handed her. And when she did, she stared back at Rainbow with an unsure frown. “I wouldn’t know the first thing about planning out an air performance.” “Psh, you’d be a natural! You live with Twilight after all! And I saw all those fireworks you did.” “R-right,” Tempest stuttered. “Well, I suppose I could try, but no promises that I’ll be of any help.” “You’ll be plenty of help!” Rainbow assured with a grin. “Come on!” Remnants of morning dew on the countless leaves sparkled under the morning sun. Tempest was standing close to Rainbow’s cloud mansion, eyes locked up above as a blue speck zipped between the clouds. Suddenly, a loud crack echoed through the skies over Ponyville. Tempest held a hoof in front of her eyes and dug the ones on the ground even deeper. Just as she predicted, a large shockwave soared past her, bringing with it a gust of tremendous force. It nearly sent her into the air, but her strength allowed her to stay grounded. Once it had passed, Tempest shook her head in an attempt to get the ringing out of her ears. She ran a hoof through her mane and pulled her posture back up. Just in time to see Rainbow land beside her with a proud smirk plastered on her face. “Better?” “Better,” Tempest replied with a nod. “If you use that as your midway point, you’d definitely keep the crowd excited for what could come next.” “Aw yeah!” Rainbow shouted, pumping her hoof forward. “This is going to be one awesome airshow!” A smile grew on Tempest’s face upon seeing Rainbow’s enthusiasm. She turned her attention to the wide empty fields around them. And more importantly, to the large crystal castle that was in the distance. Her mind returned to the incident with Twilight. She had managed to distract herself by organizing the show with Rainbow, but in the moments of rest and silence, had found her mind automatically wandering back to what had happened this morning. I need to talk to her. Was the first thought that usually crossed her mind. However, the memory of Twilight’s nightmare and the sting that came with them immediately ceased any action she wanted to take. “You’re really good at this. The Wonderbolts could use somepony like you!” Tempest pulled herself back into reality. “Thanks. I had a lot of experience with organizing the Sto—” She forced her mouth closed, trapping the next words in her throat, where they belonged. Her eyes, along with her head, fell low. “Nevermind. Forget what I said.” Rainbow didn’t dare reply. Instead, she gave Tempest a pat on her shoulder and a confident nod. To which Tempest responded with a smile. “Rainbow Dash!” An angered voice boomed through the hills. “Uh oh,” said Rainbow with a worried frown. She turned to the source, spotting Twilight trotting up the hill with eyes blazing with fury. “I thought I told you that there should be no sonic booms during these few days! Ponies are trying to put up their decorations! Their very fragile decorations!” Twilight ranted, eyes darting up, down and in every other direction. That is, except towards Tempest’s. Beside her trotted Sunset, who seemed lost in her own thoughts. Her movements were almost like that of a machine, and her eyes were focused more on the grass that crunched beneath her hoof than anything in front of her. “Right, sorry, Twilight. I was just practising my routine.” “I know! But your routine isn’t as important as—” Twilight paused. For the first time since she had arrived at the plains did she look forward. And upon spotting Tempest, Twilight’s eyes grew wide. She went deathly silent, freezing in place for several seconds. Tempest quickly darted her gaze away in response. The air around them had grew heavy, much like at breakfast. A memory and feeling that Tempest was eager to get rid of. “Twilight? Why’d you stop scolding me?” Rainbow asked with a raised eyebrow. “You’d usually get in at least three long winded speeches before stopping.” No one answered. And it was the silence that finally drew Sunset’s attention back upwards. Upon laying eyes on Tempest, Sunset’s ears perked up and a grin appeared on her face. “Tempest!” Sunset called out with glee. “Hey, Sunset. ...And hi Twilight.” “Hi,” Twilight replied in a hush. “Rainbow, would you mind giving us a minute or two?” Sunset asked. “Hey, anything to lessen Twilight’s lectures!” Rainbow joked. The grin that followed made it clear that she was expecting some sort of irritated expression from Twilight. However, when Twilight maintained her silence and frown, Rainbow’s smile quickly faded away. “R-right. I’ll be… not here,” she muttered before zipping away, disappearing in a blink of an eye. Once Rainbow had gone, Sunset trotted up to Tempest, who regarded her with an odd stare. “You’re… oddly happy to see me.” “Yeah! Because I was hoping to find you so we could talk!” Sunset turned to Twilight and gestured her forward. With slow, reluctant steps, Twilight began to trot forth. “About?” “What happened at breakfast.” Sunset paused. “And about what happened last night.” Tempest shook her head. “There’s nothing to discuss. Twilight’s right, I should be taking a break.” Her words drew Twilight’s head up towards her. She was trembling softly with wide, shocked eyes. “My presence in the castle has done nothing but brought Twilight nightmares.” “That’s not true!” Sunset quickly rebutted. “Right, Twilight?” But only silence followed. Sunset’s hopeful smile fell into a frown. “Twilight! Tell her!” The longer the silence dragged, the more cracks Tempest could feel appearing in her heart. She felt her composure weaken, threatening to shatter with every passing second. “It’s okay,” Tempest quickly said. “Twilight doesn’t need to say anything.” She turned to face Ponyville, away from the Crystal Castle. “I’ll… try not to bother your Hearth’s Warming celebrations.” Tempest began trotted away, feeling a tear trail down her cheek. You should’ve known better. You were always better off alone. “It wasn’t your fault.” Twilight’s words pierced the wind, stopping Tempest in her tracks. “I should’ve never said the words I did earlier this morning. The nightmare you saw, that wasn’t your fault.” Tempest took a deep breath. “How can it not be? It was my actions that led to that moment. That pain—” “It was because I was scared!” Twilight shouted. “...Of me. Right?” Tempest asked. Though, truthfully, she didn’t want an answer. “No!” Twilight replied near instantaneously. After lifting a hoof to wipe her tear, Tempest swung back around and fixed her eyes upon Twilight. “Then what were you afraid of?” The question caused Twilight to recoil, as if she had been struck physically by something. She bit her lip and lowered her head before muttering out her reply, “I… I can’t say. Look, you have to trust me, Tempest. This isn’t your fault. This is mine.” She’s lying. You are the cause. “I’m sorry, Twilight. For all I’ve done.” “You have nothing to be sorry for!” Twilight screamed, shocking both Sunset and Tempest at her volume. Tears had started to fill her eyes as she continued, “you’ve been through Tatarus and back, Tempest. Your life, your fillyhood has been filled with nothing but pain. And yet somehow you keep moving forward! You’re one of the bravest ponies I know and I—” She paused, shutting her eyes to gather her thoughts. “And I just need you to trust me when I say that you are not the cause of that nightmare. I can’t let you believe that and add to whatever problems you’re already trying to deal with.” Sunset stared wide-eyed at Tempest. Much like her, Sunset was in a state of utter shock at Twilight’s outburst. Tempest moved up to the sobbing mare and placed a hoof gently around her neck, pulling her into a soft hug. Twilight instantly rested her head upon Tempest’s form and began sobbing into her coat, matting her fur with her tears. “I shouldn’t have said those things,” Twilight mumbled. “It’s okay. To be honest I was thinking the same thing then too.” “Don’t.” Tempest turned to Sunset, who breathed a sigh of relief. “So you’ll come back to the castle?” Twilight asked. “We could really use a hoof for the decorations.” “If you want me back.” “I do. I really do.” Mare, the castle looks great. Tempest thought to herself as she ran the towel through her soaked mane. Night had fallen over Ponyville, and with it, the end of another decorating day. In the few hours they had, all of them had managed to decorate the castle from tip to floor. Where once only sat a few bells and ribbons, now strung long strings of colourful thread. They twirled and twisted around every single crystal pillar, past the handrails and up into the ceiling above, where several large, shining Hearth’s Warming orbs swayed in the breeze. “Pretty cool, huh?” Sunset asked as she placed her hooves on the balcony. She too was gazing out at the view with a wistful smile on her face. “How’s the cider?” “Chilling in the basement. It’s gonna be so delicious,” Sunset chuckled. “I can’t wait to have some.” “If Rainbow doesn’t finish it all first.” Tempest nodded. “I’ve heard tales of her cider obsession.” “I promise you they are not myths,” said Sunset with a playful smile. Tempest couldn’t help but laugh softly at her words, her mind already imagining Rainbow Dash chugging barrels of the drink. After a few seconds of awed stares at the decor, Sunset finally spoke up once more. “You know, Twilight wants to help you with your nightmares.” Tempest pulled the towel aside and tossed it over her back. Her smile had all but disappeared, leaving only a troubled frown in its place. “Twilight has enough to deal with. I’m the last pony she should be worrying about.” A sigh escaped Sunset’s muzzle. One that dragged farther than was natural. One that was filled with such exhaustion and confusion, it drew Tempest’s attention towards her. “You should… you should really allow her to help.” “Even if I wanted it, how would I allow that to happen?” “You could start by letting her see your nightmares. I mean, you saw Twilight’s. But she hasn’t seen yours.” “Absolutely not. Not after what I saw Twilight is going through.” Sunset lowered her head, pressing it firmly into the hoof that was on the railing. “Why did you say yes, Sunset?” she muttered under her breath before darting her head up once more. “Tempest, you want to help Twilight, don’t you?” “Of course,” Tempest answered without pause. “Then let her help you.” Sunset saw Tempest prepping a rebuttal, so she quickly continued before Tempest could eek out a word. “I know it sounds crazy. But trust me when I say the only way to help each other right now is to let her help you.” “Why can’t I help her instead? I’ve seen her nightmare after all.” “Right, umm…” Sunset stuttered. “That’s because. Well…” she paused, tapping her hoof to her chin. “Look, if you let Twilight help, then she’ll let you help her.” Tempest raised an eyebrow and a cautious frown appeared on her lip. “Why are you so adamant about our troubles?” This time, Sunset didn’t wait for an answer. “Because I can’t stand seeing two of my friends suffer. Twilight brought me in to help solve this, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do.” The conviction in Sunset’s tone, along with her fierce look of determination impressed Tempest. She had only seen that look twice before. Once in Twilight, when she was chasing the Staff of Sacanas that was embedded into the stained glass window. And the other in herself, at many points during her Storm King’s servitude. “...Fine. If it’ll help Twilight, I’ll… let her assist in my nightmares. But you must promise me that it’ll help her, not harm her.” Sunset shut her eyes tight and gritted her teeth. She groaned softly, rubbing her forehead. “...D-deal…” she hesitantly muttered. “Very well. I’ll head up to my room. If Twilight really does want to help, you can bring her there.” “Right! We’ll be there!” Sunset assured. As Tempest began her trot up the steps, she heard Sunset spin around and gave an audible, heavy sigh. “Why did you say yes again?” “Okay. Everypony ready?” Sunset asked as she took both Tempest’s and Twilight’s hoof. “Ready!” Twilight shouted. “A-as ready as I’ll ever be.” Tempest stared straight into Twilight’s eyes. I just hope you are. “Alright, let’s go.” With those words, Sunset floated the pendent between them and fired a beam into it, splitting it into three. Once a beam had struck Tempest, she felt her consciousness fade into darkness. “Where…?” Tempest opened her eyes to the shattered balcony of Canterlot Castle. The six ponies, her friends, were in an embrace. But instead of joy, her heart was only filled with terror. Before she had time to ponder, she peered over and saw the Storm King looming over the balcony, a twisted smirk drawn onto his face and a familiar green orb in his claw. “No!” Tempest shouted. She leapt onto rubble upon rubble, springing off each one in an attempt to get closer. The six ponies that were huddled together aimed the staff straight in her direction. Turn around! Her mind called out, but her muzzle could not. The words would not make it out it time. Tempest took one final leap just as the Storm King released the orb. She locked eyes onto it mid flight, knowing that there was no going back now. She felt it hit her squarely in the chest, exploding into a tight green mist. Have to get it away from them. The thought sent Tempest leaping forward with a swish of her tail, pouring the mist towards the Storm King. And then she felt it. The one feeling she dreaded so much. Pain. She could feel the rock creeping up her hooves and onto her back. The armor provided no protection at all and in a matter of seconds, the movement of her hooves were stolen away. A couple more, and the rest of her body was encased. Her vision remained, forcing her to stare helplessly as she fell over the edge. No. No no no, please. Anyone. The air soared past her and the ground was approaching rapidly. Her heart raced in fear, though she couldn’t act on it. She wanted to scream, but she couldn’t draw a single breath. Her mind was alive. But her body was not. Someone. Anyone. I’m so sorry for all I did. Those were the last thoughts she managed to eek out before feeling the ground hit her hoof. And she shattered. Twilight awoke with a loud gasp, as if she had not drawn breath for minutes. Her eyes grew wider than Tempest had ever seen them as she pressed her hoof firmly against her chest. “T-that… that was not how it went!” Twilight shouted, wiping cold sweat off her forehead. “Tempest, we saved you!” “I know. But what if—” “There is no ‘what if’! We saved you. And we’d do it again!” Twilight screamed back. For every ounce of horror in her eyes, it was accompanied by an equal amount of anger. Tempest turned her head away. “Twilight, it’s not about that. It’s about...” She turned to Sunset, who gestured a ‘continue’ with her head. “Maybe I should’ve fell. It’s the punishment I deserve for what I did.” “That’s not true,” spoke Twilight in a deadly serious voice. “You don’t deserve to… to have that happen to you! Nopony deserves it!” “In case you forgot Twilight, I put the three princesses of Equestria through that. And almost you as well. I helped enslave Equestria. That’s not something I’m sure I’ll ever be able to make up.” “And putting yourself through all this would make it better!?” Twilight raised her tone even higher. But when she saw Tempest lower her head, she took a breath and lowered her volume. “Tempest, I’ve seen a friend of mine go through this same thing. She hated her past so much she punished herself for years in her dreams. She tortured herself because she felt that she deserved the pain.” She moved forward, lifting Tempest’s head by her chin to meet her opal eyes. “I’m begging you. Don’t let the same thing happen to you.” “But… what I did…” “Is in the past. What matters is what you do from here on out.” Tempest smiled for a second, but it quickly fell into a frown. “What makes you so sure the ponies of Equestria will forgive me?” “They will, in time.” “And how are you sure?” “Because I’ve seen what you’re capable of, Tempest. All the good you can do. But they won’t start until you forgive yourself,” said Twilight as she nudged Tempest tenderly. “Even if I wanted to, I don’t think I can do this alone.” “Who said you are?” Sunset interjected. She leaned back against the wall underneath the window, a wide smile on her face. “You’re surrounded by some of the most amazing friends anyone could ask for. Pony or not.” She winked. “Trust me. I know.” Tempest stared dumbfounded at the two ponies. Throughout her life, she had been used, abused and abandoned. Like a toy that had outlived its usefulness, she was always thrown aside when she was no longer needed. Yet somehow, these two ponies were saying that they would stick by her. But that wasn’t the part that struck Tempest dumb. It was the fact that she believed them. “Sunset’s right. No matter what happens, I’ll be here for you. We’ll work through this together. Somehow.” Twilight placed a hoof upon Tempest’s chest. “And you need to start by not punishing yourself every single night for the things you did. Please…” The moment Twilight turned her head up with a sorrowful look, Tempest felt something in her break. Tears filled her eyes and she leapt into Twilight’s hooves, hugging her tight. All the pent up emotion Tempest had hid had instantly given way, allowing her to release all in the tears that trailed down her eyes. The words Twilight had said had been exactly what she had wanted to hear. In fact, it was exactly what she needed to hear. You can’t trust them! Remember what the others did! Her mind screamed, but she shut it out in an instant. The two embraced in silence for several minutes. At least, as silent as it could be with Tempest’s soft sobs echoing in the room. There were a million words Tempest had wanted to say, but to put them into a coherent sentence was an impossibility for her at this time. She glanced up, spotting Sunset watching with a smile on her face. Upon catching sight of her, Sunset simply gave her a nod. Tempest nodded back and broke the hug with a smile. “Feeling better?” Tempest giggled at that question. For once, she could answer honestly. And it was an answer she was happy to give. “Yes.” Tempest took a breath and dropped her head. “But, Twilight, I don’t think this’ll be something I can just get over quickly.” “Nopony’s asking you to rush it. I know these things take time, so no matter how long it takes, I’ll be here for you.” Tempest shot Twilight a soft smile. “And me for you.” “Alright. So, let’s get back into that nightmare shall we?” “W-what!?” Both Sunset and Tempest exclaimed. “What? You don’t think I’m going to just let it go and leave you alone did you? I just said that I’ll be here for you. So let’s go in there and get your nightmares under control.” “And how do you plan to do that?” Sunset asked. “I’m not. Tempest is.” Twilight smiled. “I…” Tempest stuttered. “I don’t know if I can.” “Just remember that we’re there with you. You aren’t alone in there, you never are,” said Twilight. “It’s still— “—worth a try,” Sunset finished Twilight’s sentence, giving her a coy smirk in return. “Up for it, Tempest?” Tempest darted her eyes between the two mares, giving blank blinks to both. “Do you two do this a lot?” “All the time!” Sunset and Twilight answered simultaneously.  “Come on, the night’s growing late. Let’s see if you can make a difference, Tempest.” The orb had landed squarely onto Tempest’s chest. Tempest braced herself for the creeping agony as she leapt forward to push the smoke away from her friends. Seconds later, she was encased in stone. Forced to watch as the ground approached. Someone. Anyone. Please… she begged in her mind. She knew nobody would save her. Why would they? Yet, to Tempest’s bewilderment, she heard a voice call from within her mind. Tempest, this isn’t how it goes. For a moment, she thought she was going mad. The ground was rapidly approaching, though time itself seemed to slow. You know it yourself! The voice was familiar, but in the chaos that was happening around her, Tempest couldn’t place it. Tempest. It was so familiar. Please… you don’t deserve this. I… don’t deserve this? Something about the four words felt like a distant memory. Yet, the longer she receited it, the clearer it became. I don’t deserve this… The ground was swiftly approaching. Any moment now, it would touch her hoof. And any moment now, she’d shatter. Yet, even when presented with this sight, Tempest found comfort in the four words running through her head. You don’t deserve this. Just as the ground was inches away from her frozen hoof, she saw it stop beneath her eyes. Suddenly, she felt herself rise. Unable to move nor project her voice, Tempest could only watch as she was lifted up into the sky before being placed back onto solid ground. To the balcony. To safety. In the next moment, she felt something strike her chest. A beam of warmth. A ray comprised of several colors. And soon, she felt the rock falling off her body. It shattered in an instant, allowing Tempest to draw a deep breath and panic for a just a moment. She swung around, spotting Twilight standing alone with the staff in hoof. “That’s how it went,” Twilight smirked. Tempest rushed forward, grabbing Twilight into a tight hug with tear-filled eyes. Twilight returned the embrace with her eyes closed tight. All just before her vision went black. Tempest opened her eyes, but laid still in shock for several seconds. For the first time in two months, she had woken up without a petrifying fear within her. For the first time since she could remember, she woke up with a feeling of joy. “That went well,” spoke Sunset as she rose up. “Tempest?” Twilight loomed over her friend, pulling her up by her hoof. “How do you feel?” “I… I feel…” Tempest searched for the right word in her mind, but somehow couldn’t find the right one. “Weird.” “The good kind of weird?” Twilight shifted nervously in her seat. Tempest gave her a reassuring smile. “Good kind.” The reply Twilight gave was a high-pitched squeal. Though when the  sound reached her ears, it quickly sent a red hot blush to her cheeks. “I-I mean… good!” “Better than good.” “Great?” Twilight suggested, causing both mares to break into laughter. “I don’t mean to be a buzzkill, but I don’t think this’ll solve your nightmares forever, Tempest,” Sunset said. “I know.” Tempest lifted her blanket, wrapping herself softly within it. “But it’s a start. And that’s all I need.” “You have no idea how happy I am to hear you say that.” Twilight grinned. “I hope the next thing I’m about to say brings you the same joy. Because now it’s my turn to help you,” Tempest spoke with her head held high. “Tempest, you don’t have to—” “You’re wrong. After all you’ve done for me, I need to.” “I-I’m flattered. But umm...” Twilight shot a glance to the clock on the wall. “It’s late! We should do this another time!” An impatient groan came from Sunset. One that Tempest barely managed to catch as Sunset turned away. “I… I guess so,” Tempest replied, unsure. “But promise me that you’ll let me help.” Twilight gulped. “I… I mean, i-if you want? But again, you don’t have to! I can handle this on my own!” Giving a quick glance at Sunset, she barely managed to catch her roll her eyes. She met Twilight’s gaze and nodded once. “I do.” “R-right. O-of course you do,” Twilight muttered, almost as if it was in disappointment. What’s wrong with you, Twilight? “Well, anyway, I’m going to prep for bed!” Before either mare had a chance to fence a reply, Twilight teleported in a purple flash. Sunset turned to Tempest with a hard grimace on her face. “I know how bad Twilight’s nightmares are,” Tempest placed a hoof upon Sunset’s shoulder. “But I can handle it.” “I’m not worried about that.” Sunset released a heavy sigh. “Then what’re you worried about?” “I…” Sunset began, but swiftly shut her muzzle. “You know, I have to ask, when was the last time you’ve had a happy memory?” Even though Tempest had noticed the sudden subject change, she decided not to pursue the matter. For the question Sunset posed had her intrigued. She attempted to remember the last time she had a dream that made her smile. But it failed. Miserably so. “I… don’t know.” Sunset shook her head. “Tempest, you can’t just have nightmares and bad memories. There has to be a memory that brings you happiness right? Maybe relaxing with an old friend. Or viewing something beautiful!” Tempest spent the next few seconds wracking her brain, but once more, came up blank. She returned a silent and slightly guilty look towards Sunset. “That’s it. Tempest, give me your hooves.” “What? Why?” “We’re going to view a happy memory of yours.” “I… don’t think I have one.” “Everyone has one,” Sunset said with faultless confidence. She extended her hooves towards Tempest. “Everyone.” Though she hesitated at first, Tempest soon placed her hooves with Sunset’s. And with a glow of her horn, she levitated the geode into the air. When it was at the right height, she zapped it with a red beam, causing it to split into two separate rays that struck both mares straight in their chests. “But… my horn.” Tempest’s mouth dropped into a pained frown. She spun around to face Twilight. “You know, your horn is pretty powerful,” Twilight spoke with a smile. “Just like the pony it belongs to.” With a smirk, Tempest continued, “I did tell you that I wanted to show everypony in Equestria what I could do, right?” She strutted slowly to the back of the crowd. Show them what you can do. Tempest took a deep breath and focused all her magic into her horn. For so long, she commanded her magic forth using hate and anger, for they allowed her to channel the spells she needed. But tonight, she wanted to channel another emotion. One she had not felt since before her horn was broken. Show them who you can be. To her surprise, the magic flowed like a river. Her horn didn’t crackle with uncontrollable blue bolts. Instead, it sparked with immense life. And even though her horn was shattered, in this moment Tempest felt like she had all the control in the world. Show them you won’t make the same mistakes again. She shot her head upwards, sending a thin, cyan line fizzling up to the sky. It flew higher and higher before disappearing. 3… Twilight joined Tempest’s side, eyes locked onto the sky. 2… The other ponies around them had also began focusing on the clouds above. 1… And just on cue, a large explosion filled the sky, sending a bright blue light over the crowd. The bolt soared through the sky, causing another burst of light. And another. And another. You… did it. Nopony knew how much this sight meant to her. For the first time since her horn was taken from her, she had casted a spell that wasn’t meant to harm. A spell that was meant to bring a smile to everyone’s face. A spell meant for someone else. When Tempest turned to stare at Twilight, she already found her staring back. The moment she met Twilight’s eyes, Tempest felt something odd in her heart. This was a pony she had put through Tatarus and back. And in her violet eyes, Tempest couldn’t see a trace of doubt. Nor an ounce of fear. She knew that this very pony was the reason she was alive. And not just physically. I don’t deserve what you gave me. But I’m going to earn every last bit of it. Suddenly, Twilight shot her a grin. Combined with the soft glow of the rainbow lights popping above, Tempest felt a flood of emotions threaten to overwhelm her. She swiftly turned her gaze away, but couldn’t stop her mouth from growing into a heartfelt smile. On the edge of her vision, she saw that Twilight was still staring at her. She turned back, just in time to spot Twilight nudging forward. As if to tell Tempest… something. With the various confusing feelings swirling within her heart and a jumble of thoughts in her mind, she couldn’t discern exactly what it was. But a part of her told her she didn’t need to. She turned to face Twilight fully, allowing the emotions to take control of her body. She straightened her back, rose her head upwards and gave Twilight a bright beam. For a couple of seconds, the two mares shared the moment as they stared into each other’s eyes. The noise, the ponies and even the world appeared to melt away, leaving the two of them alone. However, reality quickly struck them back down to Equestria at the detonation of another explosion. Both Tempest and Twilight broke their gaze and turned back upwards, watching as the lights continued to fill the sky. To Tempest’s surprise, Sunset tore her hoof away and pressed it against her chest, ending the vision. The night, and the heavy air that accompanied it, came crashing back down on her shoulders. She turned to Sunset, who was sitting perfectly still with her mane hiding most of her face. “Sunset?” “Y-you’re…” Sunset shook her head and got to her hooves. “D-did that help?” “...Yes. I had forgotten what that moment felt like.” Tempest smiled. The majority of her mind was occupied on those ten seconds she shared with Twilight under the fireworks. “Good. I’m… glad I could help,” Sunset stammered, still hiding her face under the curl of her mane. She turned to trot out, but was stopped by Tempest’s words. “Maybe Twilight could use a moment like this too. I-it’ll help her.” “Twilight’s tired,” Sunset muttered under her breath. As she crossed Tempest’s wall, she turned to the photo that hung upon it. It was of Tempest and Twilight, smiling happily towards the camera during the Friendship Festival, their hooves wrapped around each other’s shoulders. Sunset lifted it up and held it in front of her eyes for several seconds. “She needs it Sunset.” Sunset paused. “I’ll help her tomorrow.” She sat the photo frame on a nearby desk before exiting the room. Tempest found herself alone in the dead of night. She rested her head on the windowsill and gazed upwards to the night sky. She imagined filling it with lights for everypony to see and enjoy. So that she could take away their worries, even if only for a short while. And under the lights, Twilight would gaze upwards, admiring the beauty of her magic. Perhaps she’d be beside her, making sure it was everything she dreamed. So that Twilight could smile again, if even for just a moment more. Perhaps her magic would even be able to take away all the worries or nightmares Twilight was having. After all, she’d owe her that much. The longer the ideas and the memory sat, the more intense the feeling in Tempest’s heart. She attempted to place it. Was it joy? No, it was… stronger. Deeper. It was something she hadn’t felt before, and could not describe with words. At least, none of the words she knew. All she understood was that Twilight was the source. Imaging the memory, of the world melting away, leaving just her and Twilight together under the fireworks. It allowed this feeling to surface. She pondered upon it for a few more moments, but soon felt the exhaustion of the day creep up on her, forcing her eyes closed. As she drifted off to sleep, she wore a soft smile on her face. She had had happy memories before. But in the chaos of the world, had forgotten them. Now here they sat, like a shining light amidst a mist of darkness. And as sleep had started to overtake her, she hoped the memory and the emotion could stop the nightmares, or perhaps keep them at bay, even if it was just for tonight. That’d be nice.